MEET:
Justin Lyons
DISCOVER JUSTIN'S STORY
A LIFELONG JOURNEY OF EMPOWERMENT AND HEALING
From a vibrant childhood surrounded by a tapestry of personalities in a large extended family to a beacon of hope as an Occupational Therapist, Justin's life has been a testament to the power of connection and resilience. His early experiences as a camp counselor and Athletic Director laid the foundation for his values in teamwork, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that he carries into every aspect of his work.
Tragedy struck at 21, profoundly shaping Justin's path. The loss of his sibling became a catalyst for change, steering him towards a meaningful career in occupational therapy. His passion for helping others live their fullest lives led him to diverse educational settings, from preschools to high schools, and beyond to sensory clinics and innovative training sites, touching lives and fostering growth at every turn.
RESILIENCE BORN FROM ADVERSITY
Life has presented Justin with formidable challenges, yet through each, he has forged a path of resilience. His personal losses have not only shaped his empathetic approach but have also solidified his practice of living the principles he teaches. Through the highs and lows of personal experiences, Justin has emerged as a living testament to the resilience and strength that can be found within the human spirit. He has worked very hard to “practice what he preaches”, which can only be evident when meeting Justin or working with him.
A CHAMPION FOR EVERY CHILD
Justin's commitment to children extends far beyond the classroom walls. As an expert witness and advocate for students with special needs, he has been instrumental in securing the right educational programs and services for countless individuals. Justin has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of students who needed appropriate recommendations for services on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). His unwavering dedication to self-advocacy and empowerment has earned him a reputation for excellence and compassion.
GUIDING THE NEXT STEPS
Justin's role as a life coach is deeply personal. He specializes in guiding adolescents and especially young adults through the intricacies of growing up and planning for the future. Justin's joy for being a support to those has extended into his work with adults as well, as he has helped all his clients recognize where they are presently at, where they need to be based on their desires and finding every way to help see it through. With three college degrees and a diverse network of successful individuals across a diverse range of settings, he understands that there are many paths to success and fulfillment.
EMPATHY IN ACTION
Justin's compassion extends into his personal life, where he has supported family through cancer battles, further deepening his empathy. His work with a broad spectrum of clients, including the neurodivergent and those with learning disabilities, has honed his ability to foster hope and self-belief in the face of adversity.
SHARING WISDOM, SHAPING FUTURES
A staunch advocate for lifelong learning, Justin imparts his extensive knowledge on occupational therapy and personal development through lectures and presentations nationwide. Addressing topics from neuroplasticity to mindfulness, he enriches the professional community and enlightens those eager to learn. His roles as a clinical supervisor, adjunct professor, and speaker underscore his commitment to giving back to the field.
INSPIRING CHANGE,
ONE LIFE AT A TIME
Today, Justin stands as a mentor and guide, committed to nurturing young minds and supporting families on their path to well-being. With a blend of professional expertise and genuine personal insight, he continues to inspire and facilitate more fulfilling futures for all he works with.
A RENAISSANCE MAN'S PURSUITS
Justin's dynamic lifestyle is a tapestry of athleticism and creativity. Whether he's on the basketball court, participating in Crossfit, or enjoying the serenity of paddle boarding, his passion for staying active is as diverse as his therapeutic approach.
Off the field, he channels his creativity into mosaic art and music, crafting melodies and lyrics that echo his life's philosophy. His love for engaging the mind extends to strategic games, where his undefeated streak in Scattergories is a playful nod to his competitive spirit. In every endeavor, Justin embodies the balance and vitality he fosters through his work in occupational therapy.
Angelica S., M.S. OTR/L
I am honored to provide a heartfelt testimonial for the exceptional occupational therapist Justin Lyons who served as my fieldwork supervisor when I was pursuing my Occupational Therapy degree. Justin’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to my professional growth have profoundly influenced my journey as an occupational therapist. From the very beginning, Justin demonstrated a vast knowledge of occupational therapy principles and a superb ability to apply them effectively which was truly inspiring. Justin effortlessly blended theory with practical application, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the profession. He provided clear and concise explanations which nurtured my learning and allowed me to grasp complex concepts with ease. What truly sets Justin apart from others as an occupational therapist is his remarkable ability to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. He fostered a sense of trust and collaboration, encouraging open dialogue and active participation regularly. Justin’s empathy and compassion were evident in every interaction, making me feel valued and supported throughout my fieldwork experience. Justin’s genuine interest in my growth and development as an occupational therapy student was both motivating and empowering. As a supervisor, Justin constantly challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone and strive for more. He provided me with a multitude of opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. Justin skillfully balanced guidance with independence, allowing me to take ownership of my learning while providing constructive feedback and support. Justin’s ability to strike the perfect balance between guidance and autonomy fostered my confidence and competence as a future occupational therapist. One of the most remarkable aspects of Justin’s supervision style was his commitment to professional growth and continuing education. He encouraged me to explore new research, attend conferences, and engage in professional networking. Justin’s dedication to staying current with the latest evidence-based practices inspired me to adopt a lifelong learning mindset. He served as a role model, exemplifying the importance of professional growth and the pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, Justin’s clinical expertise and innovative approach to therapy were truly transformative. He consistently implemented evidence-based interventions, adapting them to meet the unique needs of each and every student. Justin’s creativity in developing therapy plans, utilizing assistive technology, and incorporating sensory integration techniques showcased his ability to think outside the box. Witnessing his expertise in action was inspiring and left an indelible mark on my understanding of occupational therapy practice. In summary, Justin’s impact on my professional journey cannot be overstated. His guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support have shaped me into the occupational therapist I am today. Justin’s passion for the profession, dedication to my growth while I was a student have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of occupational therapy and I will always be grateful to him.
Tanya A., M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Justin Lyons is an exceptional Occupational Therapist and Life Coach. As a colleague of his for nine years, I have witnessed his ability to go above and beyond for his students. Not only is his knowledge base fast, the way that he connects to students on an individual level is quite remarkable. He focuses on their academic, physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. When Justin sees a need, he strives to find a solution and immediately put his ideas to action. For example, Justin started the Gentlemans lunch program at the high school we worked at together as a way to enhance the self-esteem of the teenage boys of the school and his program eventually extend it to the female students. In addition, Justin created “The Soothe Space” as a place for students to go and relax decompress and allow themselves a mindful moment. Whether you were looking for an occupational therapist, or a life coach, I would highly recommend Justin Lyons any day!
Jeremy H., MOT, OTR/L
Justin Lyons is not only an outstanding occupational therapist but also a great mentor of mine. He is a remarkably caring, detail-oriented, and well-organized therapist. I got to know him when he became my fieldwork supervisor in a school setting. During that time, I was fortunate to get the chance to work and collaborate with him to build “The Soothe Space,” a sensory room that helps students with special needs to calm down, regulate their behaviors, and improve focus. Justin is knowledgeable on what he is doing and open-minded to different opinions. During my time working with Justin, I witnessed his dedication, work ethic, and professionalism as an occupational therapist and my supervisor. He is very respectful to his students and colleagues. As a supervisor, Justin always allows me to apply my knowledge and skills when working with students while providing me with great support and constructive feedback when I need it. On several occasions, Justin also challenged and pushed me out of my comfort zone, which allowed me to grow and be more confident when working with children with special needs. My experience working with Justin not only has broadened my perspective and experience in working with different populations and backgrounds but also, has shaped me to become the occupational therapist I am today. As an Occupational Therapist, I have no doubt that Justin has the knowledge, skills, and determination to help all of his clients. Therefore, I highly recommend him without reservation.
Teri B., M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Justin is a professional through and through. Justin and I worked together early in our careers – he as an Occupational Therapist and me as a Speech-Language Pathologist. He is a wonderful collaborator. More recently, Justin developed a workshop for parents at my family business’ martial arts studio. In this forum, Justin was able to connect with parents and address areas of concern including sensory systems, fine motor issues, visual/spatial concerns, balance, behavior and social issues too! Justin made the workshop fun and was able to offer amazing insights so that parents gained understanding of their children’s behavior and he provided them with strategies. Justin is a presenter to my graduate level class of future speech language pathologists who have benefitted from his perspective and experience. Justin is a tremendous and likeable resource for any family facing life skills concerns!
Max Wooding
Justin is an incredible person. I’ve known him for some time now, and he has made my life so much better. He’s the one who helped me realize who I was and he continues to help me. I cannot recommend Justin enough. He is truly special. Five stars isn’t nearly enough for him.